SJ Orgs: Cherry Hill Fire Dept

The Cherry Hill Fire Department is dedicated to community safety and education by providing a quick response in emergency situations. All of the firefighters on staff are trained as EMTs and some are trained in Hazardous Materials and Weapons of Mass Destruction. The staff is continually training to alleviate the fire-related accidents and deaths in the Cherry Hill area.

The Cherry Hill Fire Department Community Education Unit, established in 2001, intends to reach citizens of all ages to teach fire safety through prevention. The unit provides programs such as the Babysitter Training Program, the Swim Club and Lifeguard Training, and the Safe Home Program for the Elderly and Disabled. The program also tailors educational programs toward the many diverse businesses and community organizations in the area through workshops and safety bulletins. Most businesses and schools are required to perform routine fire drills to ensure the safety of its employees.

One of the most challenging groups to communicate fire safety to is school-age children. This year, the CHFD developed the first comprehensive fire injury prevention program to reduce the number one health risk in children--fire-related accidents. The Risk Watch program is a curriculum tailored to grades 1-2, 3-4, 5-6 and 7-8. The course instructs on motor vehicle safety, fire and burn prevention, poisoning, bike and pedestrian safety and many other topics pertaining to children. For more information on the Risk Watch program, visit www.riskwatch.org. For children to learn fire safety and have fun, the fire department mascot Sparky the Fire Dog also makes frequent trips to give lectures at local schools. For fun activities for your child to enjoy as well as learn, visit www.sparky.org.

The CHFD also provides safety instruction to high school-age children through Operation Prom Night. The program begins with students being exposed to photos and statistics of local accidents involving teens. The students then watch a staged car accident and several students play the role of the injured party or of the student responsible for the accident. Students then listen to stories of local families whose children died because of a drunk driver. The fire department considers the program one of the most influential and successful programs to reach teens.

The CHFD is also determined to provide assistance for lost pets. By visiting their web site(www.cherryhillfire.org), you can fill out a form providing information about your lost pet or one you have found. You can also post a picture of the pet and contact information. The information is posted for 30 days and can be re-posted if needed. The forum has been instrumental in helping residents find their beloved pets.

The CHFD Civilian Fire Academy is open to members of the community and is designed to educate the community on the fire department’s missions and various operations. The five-week program covers the role of fire service, protecting your family, CPR, fire extinguishing training, and firefighting simulation exercises. The program is extremely comprehensive to ensure the safety of you and your family in the event of a fire. All attendees receive certificates and gifts upon completion of the program.

For more information on the CHFD’s community education programs, visit www.cherryhillfire.org or call (856) 795-9805. The site also contains important information on maintaining fire safety in your household.

For more on local Organizations, visit our South Jersey Organizations page.

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Author: Melissa Samuelson